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Hino U, Tamura R, Kosugi K, Ezaki T, Karatsu K, Yamamoto K, Tomioka A, Toda M. Optimizing perampanel monotherapy for surgically resected brain tumors. Mol Clin Oncol 2024; 20:42. [PMID: 38756871 PMCID: PMC11097131 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2024.2740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Perampanel (PER) is an antiseizure medication (ASM) with a unique mechanism of action, which was approved in Japan for use in combination therapy in 2016 and as a monotherapy in 2020. It has exerted antitumor effects against several types of tumors in vitro. However, the efficacy of PER monotherapy for seizure control is not well-established in patients with brain tumor. In the present study, 25 patients with brain tumor treated using PER monotherapy at our institution were analyzed and compared with 45 patients treated using the most commonly prescribed ASM, levetiracetam (LEV). The PER group was younger and had a higher frequency of glioma cases. During drug administration, seizures were observed in two patients from the PER group (8.0%) and five patients from the LEV group (11.1%); however, the difference was not significant. The incidence of adverse effects did not significantly differ between the groups (12.0 and 2.2%, respectively). In the PER group, mild liver dysfunction was observed in two patients and drug rash in one. In the LEV group, a drug-induced rash was observed in one patient. PER monotherapy may be safe and effective for seizure treatment or prophylaxis in patients with brain tumor. Further large-scale clinical studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utaro Hino
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ryota Tamura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kenzo Kosugi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Taketo Ezaki
- Department of Pharmacy, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kosuke Karatsu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kosei Yamamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Azuna Tomioka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masahiro Toda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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Ejem D, Stockdill M, Edwards R, Dionne-Odom JN, Taylor R, Baehr W, Nabors LB, Bakitas M, Warren P. “It's Not Just the Seizures”: Brain Tumor Caregivers’ Experiences and Educational Needs in Out-of-Hospital Seizure Management. J Palliat Care 2023:8258597231165898. [PMID: 36972511 DOI: 10.1177/08258597231165898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Family caregivers (FCGs) of persons with primary brain tumors (PBTs) report high levels of distress related to concerns about out-of-hospital seizures. This study aims to explore their experiences and needs with seizure management. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were held with 15 FCGs of persons with PBTs, both those who have and those who have not experienced a seizure, to elicit their concerns about out-of-hospital seizure management and related information needs. A qualitative descriptive study using thematic analysis was conducted based on interview data. Results: Three primary themes were identified relative to FCG experiences and needs related to care of PBTs patients, especially seizure management: (1) FCGs’ experiences with caring for persons with PBTs; (2) FCGs’ educational needs for seizure preparation and resources; and (3) FCGs’ desired type of educational resources and information about seizures. Often FCGs were reported being fearful of seizures and nearly all expressed difficulty knowing when to call emergency services. FCGs equally desired written and online resources, and most preferred graphics or videos detailing seizures. Most FCGs thought that seizure-related training should come after rather than at the time of PBTs diagnosis. FCGs of patients who have not experienced seizures were significantly less prepared to manage seizures than those with a prior seizure. Conclusions: Recognizing and managing out-of-hospital seizures can be a difficult and distressing task for FCGs of patients with PBTs and seizure-related resources are needed. Our results suggest that FCGs of care recipients with PBTs need early supportive interventions to provide self-care strategies and problem-solving skills to manage their roles as caregivers. Interventions should include educational components to assist them in understanding the best mechanisms to maintain a safe environment for their care recipients, and those that deepen knowledge about when to contact EMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Ejem
- School of Nursing, 9968University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Macy Stockdill
- School of Nursing, 9968University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Rebecca Edwards
- School of Nursing, 9968University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Richard Taylor
- School of Nursing, 9968University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Walter Baehr
- Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care, School of Medicine, The University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - L Burt Nabors
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, The University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Marie Bakitas
- School of Nursing, 9968University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Paula Warren
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, The University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
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3
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Correlation of Clinicopathological Factors with Brain Tumor-Related Epilepsy in Glioma. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:4918294. [PMID: 36246555 PMCID: PMC9553557 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4918294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. Glioma patients with brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) have a complex profile due to the simultaneous presence of two pathologies, glioma and epilepsy; however, they have not traditionally received as much attention as those with more malignant brain tumors. The underlying pathophysiology of brain tumor-related epilepsy remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible correlation between molecular neuropathology and glioma with BTRE and a wide range of BTRE-associated molecular markers of glioma patients. Methods. A retrospective cohort study of 186 glioma patients was evaluated at our hospital, of which 64 had BTRE. The chi-square test, Spearman rank correlation, and multivariate logistic analyses were used to identify clinicopathological factors associated with BTRE in glioma patients. Results. Of the 186 patients examined in this study, 64 (34.4%) had BTRE. Based on the analysis of the characteristics of these patients, the results showed that patient age (over 40 years;
), low WHO grade (grade I, II;
), IDH-1 positive mutation (
), low ATR-X expression level (
; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.92), and low Ki-67 PI (
; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.68) were associated with the occurrence of BTRE. In our cohort, BTRE patients did not differ by sex, tumor location, or expression of olig-2 and CD34. The results of the matching study showed that low Ki-67 PI and negative ATR-X expression levels were independent factors for a higher incidence of preoperative seizures in glioma patients. Conclusion. The current study updates existing information on genetic markers in gliomas with BTRE and explores the correlation of a wide range of clinicopathological factors and glioma patients with BTRE and suggests three putative biomarkers for BTRE: positive IDH1 mutation, low Ki-67 PI, and negative ATR-X expression. These factors may provide insights for developing a more thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of epilepsy and effective treatment strategies aimed at seizure control.
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Guarracino I, Pauletto G, Ius T, Palese F, Skrap M, Tomasino B. Presurgical cognitive status in patients with low-grade glioma and epilepsy: Testing the effects of seizures, antiseizure medications, and tumor localization. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2560. [PMID: 35377547 PMCID: PMC9120733 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are frequently associated with epilepsy. There are few studies addressing the impact of seizures, antiseizure medications (ASMs), and lesion localization on presurgery cognitive functioning. METHODS We tested the relation between the above-mentioned variables in a continuous series of 73 young patients (mean age 38.3 years ± 11.7) affected by LGGs and epilepsy. The anatomical areas, involved in this sample, were the left insula with surrounding cortical and subcortical areas, the right precentral gyrus/rolandic operculum, and the white matter and cortical regions beneath. RESULTS Patients' presurgery cognitive status was within the normal range, with borderline performance for some tasks. We tested whether lower scores were related with lesion or with epilepsy-related factors. Multiple regression identified variables that predict test scores. The Token test score was predicted by a model (p = .0078) containing the DT2T1 MRI, corrected for seizure features. Object naming performance was predicted by a model (p = .0113) containing the localization, the DT2T1 MRI, corrected for sex, EEG, and onset. Verbal fluency score was predicted by a model (p = .0056) containing the localization and the DT2T1 MRI, corrected for AEDs and EEG. Working memory score was predicted by a model (p = .0117) containing Engel class, the DT2T1 MRI, corrected for sex. Clock drawing score was predicted by a model (p < .0001) containing the Engel class, AEDs, and EEG. TMT A score was predicted by a model (p = .0022) containing localization, corrected for EEG. TMT B-A score was predicted by a model (p = .0373) containing localization. Voxel Lesion Symptom Mapping analyses carried out on patients' lesion volumes confirmed that patients' level of performance correlated with lesion-related variables. CONCLUSION This preliminary study indicates that the presurgical level of performance for language tasks and for cognitive flexibility and shifting is mainly predicted by lesion-related variables, working memory by both lesion and epilepsy-related variables. Epilepsy clinical and instrumental characteristics predicted performance for visuospatial planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Guarracino
- Polo FVG, San Vito al Tagliamento, PNScientific Institute IRCCS “Eugenio Medea,”Italy
| | - Giada Pauletto
- Unità Operativa di NeurologiaAzienda Sanitaria Universitaria del Friuli CentraleUdineItaly
| | - Tamara Ius
- Unità Operativa di NeurochirurgiaAzienda Sanitaria Universitaria del Friuli CentraleUdineItaly
| | - Francesca Palese
- Servizio di Igiene e Sanità Pubblica Dipartimento di PrevenzioneSan Daniele del FriuliAzienda Sanitaria Universitaria del Friuli CentraleUdineItaly
| | - Miran Skrap
- Unità Operativa di NeurochirurgiaAzienda Sanitaria Universitaria del Friuli CentraleUdineItaly
| | - Barbara Tomasino
- Polo FVG, San Vito al Tagliamento, PNScientific Institute IRCCS “Eugenio Medea,”Italy
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Greisman JD, Olmsted ZT, Crorkin PJ, Dallimore CA, Zhigin V, Shlifer A, Bedi AD, Kim JK, Nelson P, Sy HL, Patel KV, Ellis JA, Boockvar J, Langer DJ, D'Amico RS. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for Cranial Tumor Resection: A Review. World Neurosurg 2022; 163:104-122.e2. [PMID: 35381381 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.03.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols describe a standardized method of preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative care to enhance outcomes and minimize complication risks surrounding elective surgical intervention. A growing body of evidence is being generated as we learn to apply principles of ERAS standardization to neurosurgical patients. First applied in spinal surgery, ERAS protocols have been extended to cranial neuro-oncological procedures. This review synthesizes recent findings to generate evidence-based guidelines to manage neurosurgical oncology patients with standardized systems and assess ability of these systems to coordinate multidisciplinary, patient-centric care efforts. Furthermore, we highlight the potential utility of multimedia, app-based communication platforms to facilitate patient education, autonomy, and team communication within each of the three settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob D Greisman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lenox Hill Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, NY.
| | - Zachary T Olmsted
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lenox Hill Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, NY
| | - Patrick J Crorkin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lenox Hill Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, NY
| | - Colin A Dallimore
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lenox Hill Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, NY
| | - Vadim Zhigin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lenox Hill Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, NY
| | - Artur Shlifer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lenox Hill Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, NY
| | - Anupama D Bedi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lenox Hill Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, NY
| | - Jane K Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology, Lenox Hill Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, NY
| | - Priscilla Nelson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Lenox Hill Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, NY
| | - Heustein L Sy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lenox Hill Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, NY
| | - Kiran V Patel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lenox Hill Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, NY
| | - Jason A Ellis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lenox Hill Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, NY
| | - John Boockvar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lenox Hill Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, NY
| | - David J Langer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lenox Hill Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, NY
| | - Randy S D'Amico
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lenox Hill Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, NY
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Crooms RC, Johnson MO, Leeper H, Mehta A, McWhirter M, Sharma A. Easing the Journey-an Updated Review of Palliative Care for the Patient with High-Grade Glioma. Curr Oncol Rep 2022; 24:501-515. [PMID: 35192120 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-022-01210-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW High-grade gliomas (HGG) are rare brain tumors that cause disproportionate suffering and mortality. Palliative care, whose aim is to relieve the symptoms and stressors of serious illness, may benefit patients with HGG and their families. In this review, we summarize the extant literature and provide recommendations for addressing the symptom management and communication needs of brain tumor patients and their caregivers at key points in the illness trajectory: initial diagnosis; during upfront treatment; disease recurrence; end-of-life period; and after death during bereavement. RECENT FINDINGS Patients with HGG experience highly intrusive symptoms, cognitive and functional decline, and emotional and existential distress throughout the disease course. The caregiver burden is also substantial during the patient's illness and after death. There is limited evidence to guide the palliative management of these issues. Palliative care is likely to benefit patients with HGG, yet further research is needed to optimize the delivery of palliative care in neuro-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita C Crooms
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Ave, 1052, NY, 10029, New York, USA.,Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margaret O Johnson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Trent Drive 047 Baker House, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.,The Preston Robert Tirsch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Trent Drive 047 Baker House, NC, 27710, Durham, USA
| | - Heather Leeper
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, 9030 Old Georgetown Rd, Bloch Bldg 82, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ambereen Mehta
- Palliative Care Program, Division of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA.,Division of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA
| | - Michelle McWhirter
- Palliative Care Program, Division of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA.,Department of Social Work, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA
| | - Akanksha Sharma
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Pacific Neuroscience Institute/Saint John's Cancer Institute, 2200 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA.
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Walbert T, Harrison RA, Schiff D, Avila EK, Chen M, Kandula P, Lee JW, Le Rhun E, Stevens GHJ, Vogelbaum MA, Wick W, Weller M, Wen PY, Gerstner ER. SNO and EANO practice guideline update: Anticonvulsant prophylaxis in patients with newly diagnosed brain tumors. Neuro Oncol 2021; 23:1835-1844. [PMID: 34174071 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To update the 2000 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) practice parameter on anticonvulsant prophylaxis in patients with newly diagnosed brain tumors. METHODS Following the 2017 AAN methodologies, a systematic literature review utilizing PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases was performed. The studies were rated based on the AAN therapeutic or causation classification of evidence (Class I-IV). RESULTS Thirty-seven articles were selected for final analysis. There were limited high level, Class I studies and mostly Class II and III studies. The AAN affirmed the value of these guidelines. RECOMMENDATIONS In patients with newly diagnosed brain tumors who have not had a seizure, clinicians should not prescribe anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) to reduce the risk of seizures (Level A). In brain tumor patients undergoing surgery, there is insufficient evidence to recommend prescribing AEDs to reduce the risk of seizures in the peri- or postoperative period (Level C). There is insufficient evidence to support prescribing valproic acid or levetiracetam with the intent to prolong progression-free or overall survival (Level C). Physicians may consider use of levetiracetam over older AEDs to reduce side effects (Level C). There is insufficient evidence to support using tumor location, histology, grade, molecular/imaging features, when deciding whether or not to prescribe prophylactic AEDs (Level U).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Walbert
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - David Schiff
- University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Edward K Avila
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Merry Chen
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Padmaja Kandula
- Division of Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York USA
| | | | - Emilie Le Rhun
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center & Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Glen H J Stevens
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-oncology Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Wolfgang Wick
- Neurology Clinic and Neurooncology Program, Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Y Wen
- Center For Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Gerstner
- Pappas Center for Neuro-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Lange F, Hörnschemeyer J, Kirschstein T. Glutamatergic Mechanisms in Glioblastoma and Tumor-Associated Epilepsy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051226. [PMID: 34067762 PMCID: PMC8156732 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The progression of glioblastomas is associated with a variety of neurological impairments, such as tumor-related epileptic seizures. Seizures are not only a common comorbidity of glioblastoma but often an initial clinical symptom of this cancer entity. Both, glioblastoma and tumor-associated epilepsy are closely linked to one another through several pathophysiological mechanisms, with the neurotransmitter glutamate playing a key role. Glutamate interacts with its ionotropic and metabotropic receptors to promote both tumor progression and excitotoxicity. In this review, based on its physiological functions, our current understanding of glutamate receptors and glutamatergic signaling will be discussed in detail. Furthermore, preclinical models to study glutamatergic interactions between glioma cells and the tumor-surrounding microenvironment will be presented. Finally, current studies addressing glutamate receptors in glioma and tumor-related epilepsy will be highlighted and future approaches to interfere with the glutamatergic network are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falko Lange
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Correspondence: (F.L.); (T.K.)
| | - Julia Hörnschemeyer
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Timo Kirschstein
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Correspondence: (F.L.); (T.K.)
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9
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Hartanto RA, Dwianingsih EK, Panggabean AS, Wicaksono AS, Dananjoyo K, Asmedi A, Malueka RG. Seizure in Indonesian Glioma Patients: Associated Risk Factors and Impact on Survival. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2021; 22:691-697. [PMID: 33773530 PMCID: PMC8286685 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2021.22.3.691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Seizure is commonly found in patients with glioma. This study aimed to find risk factors for seizures in Indonesian patients with glioma. We also sought to determine the association between seizure and survival in this patient population. Methods: Patients with glioma were enrolled from the Dr. Sardjito General Hospital and other hospitals in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. Detailed demographic and clinical data were collected from medical records. DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to detect IDH1 mutation. Tumor tissue samples were stained by hematoxylin-eosin and classified according to the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Expression of Ki-67 was detected by immunohistochemistry staining. Survival data were also collected. Results: In total, 107 patients were included in the analysis. Age, gender, history of smoking, tumor side, tumor grade, Ki-67 expression, and IDH1 mutation were not associated with seizure. Tumors involving the frontal lobe (p=0.037) and oligodendroglioma histology (p=0.031) were associated with the development of seizures in this study. However, multivariate analysis showed that only oligodendrogial histology was associated with seizure [p=0.032, odds ratio (OR) = 4.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.146-19.822]. Patients with seizures have significantly longer median overall survival than patients without seizures (69.3±25.01 vs. 10.6±6.14 months, respectively, p=0.04). Conclusion: This study showed that seizure in patients with glioma in Indonesia is associated with frontal lobe location and oligodendroglioma histology. Patients with seizures also have significantly longer overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahmat Andi Hartanto
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ery Kus Dwianingsih
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Andre Stefanus Panggabean
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Adiguno Suryo Wicaksono
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Kusumo Dananjoyo
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ahmad Asmedi
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Rusdy Ghazali Malueka
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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Delgado-López PD, Martín-Alonso J. Prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy in high-grade glioma: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Neurocirugia (Astur) 2020; 31:268-278. [PMID: 32265156 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucir.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is common practice to prescribe prophylactic antiepileptic drugs (AED) to high-grade glioma (HGG) patients without a history of seizures, yet with limited evidence supporting its use. Ideally, the effectiveness of prophylactic anticonvulsants must outweigh the occurrence of adverse effects and interactions related to AED. The authors conducted a systematic review and metanalysis of longitudinal studies regarding the effectiveness of prophylactic AED in seizure-naïve HGG patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials, Embase and clinicaltrials.gov databases were systematically searched. Of the initial 1773 studies identified, 15 were finally selected for data extraction and analysis. Heterogeneity among studies, pooled hazard ratios, publication bias and sensitivity analyses were performed separately for a 15-study group (HGG patients within larger series of brain tumors) and a 6-study group (exclusively HGG patients). RESULTS AED prophylaxis did not significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative seizures compared with controls, both in the 15-study group (Mantel-Haenszel random-effects pooled OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.82-1.43, 2123 patients) and in the 6-study group (pooled OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.77-1.92, 540 patients). However, some issues (paucity of prospective trials, overall moderate-risk of bias, and few studies addressing HGG patients exclusively) preclude firm conclusions against routine prophylactic AED prescription. Reported adverse effects attributable to AED were acceptable in the majority of studies. CONCLUSIONS Within the limitations of this review, the results of this metanalysis do not support the routine administration of prophylactic AED to HGG patients without a history of seizures.
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11
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A survey on clinical pathways of patients with epilepsy and cerebrovascular diseases or brain tumors. Neurol Sci 2020; 41:1507-1511. [PMID: 31955351 PMCID: PMC7275937 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04252-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective Patients with seizures and epilepsies comorbid with cerebrovascular disorders (CVDs) or brain tumors (BTs) are managed by different specialists, including neurologists with expertise in epilepsy (epileptologists), CVDs, and neuro-oncology, as well as neurologists without special expertise (general neurologists), and also emergency room physicians (EPs), intensive care physicians, and neurosurgeons. It has never been studied how these specialists interact for the treatment of seizures or epilepsy in these patients. Methods A survey was used to investigate how patients with such comorbidities are managed in hospitals in Italy. Results One hundred and twenty-eight specialists from hospitals in all parts of Italy filled in a questionnaire. Epileptologists were in charge of treatment of epilepsy in about 50% of cases while acute seizures were treated mainly by general neurologists (52% of cases). Diagnostic, therapeutic, and assistance pathways (PDTAs) for CVD and BT epilepsies were declared by physicians in about half of the hospitals while in about a quarter, there were only informal agreements and, in the remaining hospitals, there were no agreements between specialists. CVD neurologists, specialists in internal medicine, and EP were most often in charge of treatment of epilepsy comorbid with CVD. General neurologists, neuro-oncologists, and neurosurgeons were included in teams that manage BT epilepsies while epileptologists were included only in a small percentage of hospitals. Conclusions Clinical decisions on epilepsy or seizures in patients with such comorbidities are often handled by different specialists. A new team culture and PDTAs are needed to guarantee high standards of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
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Abstract
More than one-third of patients with meningiomas will experience seizures at some point in their disease. Despite this, meningioma-associated epilepsy remains significantly understudied, as most investigations focus on tumor progression, extent of resection, and survival. Due to the impact of epilepsy on the patient's quality of life, identifying predictors of preoperative seizures and postoperative seizure freedom is critical. In this chapter, we review previously reported rates and predictors of seizures in meningioma and discuss surgical and medical treatment options. Preoperative epilepsy occurs in approximately 30% of meningioma patients with peritumoral edema on neuroimaging being one of the most significant predictor of seizures. Other associated factors include age <18, male gender, the absence of headache, and non-skull base tumor location. Following tumor resection, approximately 70% of individuals with preoperative epilepsy achieve seizure freedom. Variables associated with persistent seizures include a history of preoperative epilepsy, peritumoral edema, skull base tumor location, tumor progression, and epileptiform discharges on postoperative electroencephalogram. In addition, after surgery, approximately 10% of meningioma patients without preoperative epilepsy experience new seizures. Variables associated with new postoperative seizures include tumor progression, prior radiation exposure, and gross total tumor resection. Both pre- and postoperative meningioma-related seizures are often responsive to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), although AED prophylaxis in the absence of seizures is not recommended. AED selection is based on current guidelines for treating focal seizures with additional considerations including efficacy in tumor-related epilepsy, toxicities, and potential drug-drug interactions. Continued investigation into medical and surgical strategies for preventing and alleviating epilepsy in meningioma is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Harward
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - John D Rolston
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Dario J Englot
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.
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13
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Maschio M, Aguglia U, Avanzini G, Banfi P, Buttinelli C, Capovilla G, Casazza MML, Colicchio G, Coppola A, Costa C, Dainese F, Daniele O, De Simone R, Eoli M, Gasparini S, Giallonardo AT, La Neve A, Maialetti A, Mecarelli O, Melis M, Michelucci R, Paladin F, Pauletto G, Piccioli M, Quadri S, Ranzato F, Rossi R, Salmaggi A, Terenzi R, Tisei P, Villani F, Vitali P, Vivalda LC, Zaccara G, Zarabla A, Beghi E. Management of epilepsy in brain tumors. Neurol Sci 2019; 40:2217-2234. [PMID: 31392641 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-019-04025-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy in brain tumors (BTE) may require medical attention for a variety of unique concerns: epileptic seizures, possible serious adverse effects of antineoplastic and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), physical disability, and/or neurocognitive disturbances correlated to tumor site. Guidelines for the management of tumor-related epilepsies are lacking. Treatment is not standardized, and overall management might differ according to different specialists. The aim of this document was to provide directives on the procedures to be adopted for a correct diagnostic-therapeutic path of the patient with BTE, evaluating indications, risks, and benefits. A board comprising neurologists, epileptologists, neurophysiologists, neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, neuropsychologists, and patients' representatives was formed. The board converted diagnostic and therapeutic problems into seventeen questions. A literature search was performed in September-October 2017, and a total of 7827 unique records were retrieved, of which 148 constituted the core literature. There is no evidence that histological type or localization of the brain tumor affects the response to an AED. The board recommended to avoid enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs because of their interference with antitumoral drugs and consider as first-choice newer generation drugs (among them, levetiracetam, lamotrigine, and topiramate). Valproic acid should also be considered. Both short-term and long-term prophylaxes are not recommended in primary and metastatic brain tumors. Management of seizures in patients with BTE should be multidisciplinary. The panel evidenced conflicting or lacking data regarding the role of EEG, the choice of therapeutic strategy, and timing to withdraw AEDs and recommended high-quality long-term studies to standardize BTE care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Maschio
- Center for Brain Tumor-Related Epilepsy, UOSD Neuro-Oncology, I.R.C.C.S. Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy.
| | - Umberto Aguglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuliano Avanzini
- Department of Neurophysiology and Experimental Epileptology, Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Banfi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Emergency, Medicine Epilepsy Center, Circolo Hospital, Varese, Italy
| | - Carla Buttinelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Capovilla
- Department of Mental Health, Epilepsy Center, C. Poma Hospital, Mantua, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Colicchio
- Institute of Neurosurgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Coppola
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Epilepsy Centre, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Cinzia Costa
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Medicine, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Filippo Dainese
- Epilepsy Centre, UOC Neurology, SS. Giovanni e Paolo Hospital, Venice, Italy
| | - Ornella Daniele
- Epilepsy Center-U.O.C. Neurology, Policlinico Paolo Giaccone, Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience Department (BioNeC), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto De Simone
- Neurology and Stroke Unit, Epilepsy and Sleep Disorders Center, St. Eugenio Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Marica Eoli
- Molecular Neuro-Oncology Unit, IRCCS-Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Gasparini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Angela La Neve
- Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, Centre for Epilepsy, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Maialetti
- Center for Brain Tumor-Related Epilepsy, UOSD Neuro-Oncology, I.R.C.C.S. Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Oriano Mecarelli
- Neurology Unit, Human Neurosciences Department, Sapienza University, Umberto 1 Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Melis
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Institute of Neurology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Michelucci
- Unit of Neurology, Bellaria Hospital, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Paladin
- Epilepsy Center, UOC Neurology, Ospedale Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Venice, Italy
| | - Giada Pauletto
- Department of Neurosciences, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Marta Piccioli
- UOC Neurology, PO San Filippo Neri, ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Quadri
- USC Neurology, Epilepsy Center, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Federica Ranzato
- Epilepsy Centre, Neuroscience Department, S. Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Rosario Rossi
- Neurology and Stroke Unit, San Francesco Hospital, 08100, Nuoro, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Terenzi
- Epilepsy Consultation Room, Neurology Unit, S. Pietro Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Tisei
- Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Neurology-University "La Sapienza", S. Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Villani
- Clinical Epileptology and Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Vitali
- Neuroradiology and Brain MRI 3T Mondino Research Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Gaetano Zaccara
- Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via P Dazzi 1, 50141, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessia Zarabla
- Center for Brain Tumor-Related Epilepsy, UOSD Neuro-Oncology, I.R.C.C.S. Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Ettore Beghi
- Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
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Julie DAR, Ahmed Z, Karceski SC, Pannullo SC, Schwartz TH, Parashar B, Wernicke AG. An overview of anti-epileptic therapy management of patients with malignant tumors of the brain undergoing radiation therapy. Seizure 2019; 70:30-37. [PMID: 31247400 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2019.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As our surgical, radiation, chemotherapeutic and supportive therapies for brain malignancies improve, and overall survival is prolonged, appropriate symptom management in this patient population becomes increasingly important. This review summarizes the published literature and current practice patterns regarding prophylactic and perioperative anti-epileptic drug use. As a wide range of anti-epileptic drugs is now available to providers, evidence guiding appropriate anticonvulsant choice is reviewed. A particular focus of this article is radiation therapy for brain malignancies. Toxicities and seizure risk associated with cranial irradiation will be discussed. Epilepsy management in patients undergoing radiation for gliomas, glioblastoma multiforme, and brain metastases will be addressed. An emerging but inconsistent body of evidence, reviewed here, indicates that anti-epileptic medications may increase radiosensitivity, and therefore improve clinical outcomes, specifically in glioblastoma multiforme patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana A R Julie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Stephen C Karceski
- Department of Neurology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Susan C Pannullo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Theodore H Schwartz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bhupesh Parashar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, United States
| | - A Gabriella Wernicke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, United States.
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The risk of developing seizures before and after primary brain surgery of low- and high-grade gliomas. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2018; 169:185-191. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2018.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Pilotto C, Liu JF, Walker DA, Whitehouse WP. Seizure characteristics and the use of anti-epileptic drugs in children and young people with brain tumours and epileptic seizures: Analysis of regional paediatric cancer service population. Seizure 2018; 58:17-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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17
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Maschio M, Beghi E, Casazza MML, Colicchio G, Costa C, Banfi P, Quadri S, Aloisi P, Giallonardo AT, Buttinelli C, Pauletto G, Striano S, Salmaggi A, Terenzi R, Daniele O, Crichiutti G, Paladin F, Rossi R, Prato G, Vigevano F, De Simone R, Ricci F, Saladini M, Monti F, Casellato S, Zanoni T, Giannarelli D, Avanzini G, Aguglia U. Patterns of care of brain tumor-related epilepsy. A cohort study done in Italian Epilepsy Center. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180470. [PMID: 28715490 PMCID: PMC5513411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is the most common comorbidity in patients with brain tumors. STUDY AIMS To define characteristics of brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) patients and identify patterns of care. Nationwide, multicenter retrospective cohort study. Medical records of BTRE patients seen from 1/1/2010 to 12/31/2011, followed for at least one month were examined. Information included age, sex, tumor type/treatments, epilepsy characteristics, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Time to modify first AED due to inefficacy and/or toxicity was assessed with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify predictors of treatment outcome. Enrolled were 808 patients (447 men, 361 women) from 26 epilepsy centers. Follow-up ranged 1 to 423 months (median 18 months). 732 patients underwent surgery, 483 chemotherapy (CT), 508 radiotherapy. All patients were treated with AEDs. Levetiracetam was the most common drug. 377 patients (46.7%) were still on first drug at end of follow-up, 338 (41.8%) needed treatment modifications (uncontrolled seizures, 229; side effects, 101; poor compliance, 22). Treatment discontinuation for lack of efficacy was associated with younger age, chemotherapy, and center with <20 cases. Treatment discontinuation for side effects was associated with female sex, enzyme-inducing drugs and center with > 20 cases. About one-half of patients with BTRE were on first AED at end of follow-up. Levetiracetam was the most common drug. A non enzyme-inducing AED was followed by a lower risk of drug discontinuation for SE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Maschio
- UOSD di Neurologia, Centro per la Cura dell'Epilessia Tumorale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Regina Elena, Roma, Italia
| | - Ettore Beghi
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milano, Italia
| | | | | | - Cinzia Costa
- Clinica Neurologica, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Ospedale SM Misericordia, Perugia, Italia
| | - Paola Banfi
- Divisione di Neurologia, Ospedale di Circolo, Varese, Italia
| | - Stefano Quadri
- USC di Neurologia Centro Regionale Epilessia ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italia
| | - Paolo Aloisi
- UOC di Neurofisiopatogia, Centro per l'Epilessia, L'Aquila, Italia
| | | | - Carla Buttinelli
- Dipartimento di Neurologia, Università "La Sapienza", Ospedale S. Andrea, Roma, Italia
| | - Giada Pauletto
- SOC di Neurologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Udine, Udine, Italia
| | - Salvatore Striano
- Centro Epilessia, Università degli studi di Napoli "Federico II", Policlinico Federico II, Napoli, Italia
| | | | | | - Ornella Daniele
- Centro per la Diagnosi e Cura dell'Epilessia, UOC Neurologia, Palermo, Italia
| | - Giovanni Crichiutti
- Clinica Pediatrica, Servizio Epilessia Infantile, Azienda Ospedaliera Università di Udine, Udine, Italia
| | - Francesco Paladin
- UOC Neurologia, Centro Epilessie, Ospedale S Giovanni e Paolo, Venezia, Italia
| | | | - Giulia Prato
- Centro Epilessie, U.O. Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Istituto Gaslini, Genova, Italia
| | - Federico Vigevano
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambin Gesù, Roma, Italia
| | | | - Federica Ricci
- S.C. Neuropsichiatria Infantile, O.I.R.M., A.O. Città della salute e della scienza, Torino, Italia
| | | | - Fabrizio Monti
- Centro per la Diagnosi e Cura delle Epilessie, UOC Neurologia, Trieste, Italia
| | - Susanna Casellato
- Centro per la Diagnosi e Cura delle Epilessie dell' Età Evolutiva, UOC di NPI, AOU, Sassari, Italia
| | - Tiziano Zanoni
- UO Neurologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Integrata-Universitaria, Verona, Italia
| | - Diana Giannarelli
- Unità di Biostatistica, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Regina Elena, Roma, Italia
| | | | - Umberto Aguglia
- Centro Regionale Epilessia, Università Magna Grecia di Catanzaro, Ospedale Riuniti, Reggio Calabria, Italia
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Abstract
Patients with brain tumors and systemic malignancies are subject to diverse neurologic complications that require urgent evaluation and treatment. These neurologic conditions are commonly due to the tumor's direct effects on the nervous system, such as cerebral edema, increased intracranial pressure, seizures, spinal cord compression, and leptomeningeal metastases. In addition, neurologic complications can develop as a result of thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy, hyperviscosity syndromes, infection, immune-related disorders, and adverse effects of treatment. Patients may present with typical disease syndromes. However, it is not uncommon for patients to have more subtle, nonlocalizing manifestations, such as alteration of mental status, that could be attributed to other systemic, nonneurologic complications. Furthermore, neurologic complications are at times the initial manifestations of an undiagnosed malignancy. Therefore a high index of suspicion is essential for rapid assessment and management. Timely intervention may prolong survival and improve quality of life. In this chapter, we will discuss the common neuro-oncologic emergencies, including epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T Jo
- Neuro-Oncology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - D Schiff
- Neuro-Oncology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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Mattei L, Prada F, Legnani FG, Perin A, Olivi A, DiMeco F. Neurosurgical tools to extend tumor resection in hemispheric low-grade gliomas: conventional and contrast enhanced ultrasonography. Childs Nerv Syst 2016; 32:1907-14. [PMID: 27659832 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-016-3186-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pediatric low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are the most frequent solid tumor in childhood. Based on an increasing number of literature reports, maximal safe resection is recommended as the first line of treatment whenever possible. However, distinguishing tumor tissue from the surrounding normal brain is often challenging with infiltrating neoplasms, even with the assistance of intraoperative, microscopic and conventional neuronavigation systems. Therefore, any technique that enhances the detection and visualization of LGGs intraoperatively is certainly desirable. METHODS In this paper, we reviewed the role of intraoperative conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as a tool for extending tumor resection in LGGs. Moreover, our experience with this technology is reported and discussed. RESULTS Both B-mode and CEUS are helpful in highlighting LGGs, detecting tumor margins and providing additional information such as vascularization, thus improving the safety of a more radical resection. CONCLUSIONS Although the full potentialities of the method are yet to be explored, intraoperative ultrasound is a promising tool in oncologic surgery and LGG surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mattei
- Neurochirurgia I, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, via Giovanni Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesco Prada
- Neurochirurgia I, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, via Giovanni Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Giuseppe Legnani
- Neurochirurgia I, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, via Giovanni Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Perin
- Neurochirurgia I, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, via Giovanni Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Olivi
- Istituto di Neurochirurgia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" Università Cattolica e del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00186, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco DiMeco
- Neurochirurgia I, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, via Giovanni Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
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Knudsen-Baas KM, Power KN, Engelsen BA, Hegrestad SE, Gilhus NE, Storstein AM. Status epilepticus secondary to glioma. Seizure 2016; 40:76-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2016.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Fröscher W, Kirschstein T, Rösche J. Anticonvulsant therapy in brain-tumor related epilepsy. JOURNAL OF EPILEPTOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/joepi-2016-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SummaryBackground. The lifetime risk of patients with brain tumors to have focal epileptic seizures is 10-100%; the risk depends on different histology. Specific guidelines for drug treatment of brain tumor-related seizures have not yet been established.Aim. This review addresses the special aspects of antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy in brain tumor-related epilepsy.Methods. We analyzed the literature up to December 2015.Results. Based on current evidence the management of tumor-related seizures does not differ substantially from that applied to epilepsies from other etiologies. Therefore, the choice of an AED is based, above all, on tolerability and pharmacokinetic interactions with chemotherapeutic drugs. Levetiracetam is recommended by many authors as first-line therapy in brain tumor-related epilepsy. Due to the possibility of interactions, the combination of enzyme-inducing AEDs and chemotherapeutic drugs, is usually not recommended as a first choice. Currently there is no evidence that prophylactic prescription of long-term AEDs in brain tumor-patients who did not present with seizures is justified. Because of the high risk of recurrence, however, AED treatment should be strongly considered after a single brain tumor-related seizure. The decision to withdraw AEDs must carefully consider the risk of seizure recurrence.Conclusion. At present levetiracetam is the preferred drug in brain tumor-related epilepsy, especially when drug interactions need to be avoided. In the future we hope to acquire more targeted drugs against this disorder by uncovering its pathogenesis.
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Pourzitaki C, Tsaousi G, Apostolidou E, Karakoulas K, Kouvelas D, Amaniti E. Efficacy and safety of prophylactic levetiracetam in supratentorial brain tumour surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2016; 82:315-25. [PMID: 26945547 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to perform an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of prophylactic administration of levetiracetam in brain tumour patients. METHOD A systematic review of studies published until April 2015 was conducted using Scopus/Elsevier, EMBASE and MEDLINE. The search was limited to articles reporting results from adult patients, suffering from brain tumour, undergoing supratentorial craniotomy for tumour resection or biopsy and administered levetiracetam in the perioperative period for seizure prophylaxis. Outcomes included the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam, as well as the tolerability of the specific regimen, defined by the discontinuation of the treatment due to side effects. RESULTS The systematic review included 1148 patients from 12 studies comparing levetiracetam with no treatment, phenytoin and valproate, while only 243 patients from three studies, comparing levetiracetam vs phenytoin efficacy and safety, were included in the meta-analysis. The combined results from the meta-analysis showed that levetiracetam administration was followed by significantly fewer seizures than treatment with phenytoin (OR = 0.12 [0.03-0.42]: χ(2) = 1.76: I(2) = 0%). Analysis also showed significantly fewer side effects in patients receiving levetiracetam, compared to other groups (P < 0.05). The combined results showed fewer side effects in the levetiracetam group compared to the phenytoin group (OR = 0.65 [0.14-2.99]: χ(2) = 8.79: I(2) = 77%). CONCLUSIONS The efficacy of prophylaxis with levetiracetam seems to be superior to that with phenytoin and valproate administration. Moreover, levetiracetam use demonstrates fewer side effects in brain tumour patients. Nevertheless, high risk of bias and moderate methodological quality must be taken into account when considering these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chryssa Pourzitaki
- 1st Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgia Tsaousi
- Clinic of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eirini Apostolidou
- 2nd Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Karakoulas
- Clinic of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kouvelas
- 2nd Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ekaterini Amaniti
- Clinic of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Hanaya R, Arita K. The New Antiepileptic Drugs: Their Neuropharmacology and Clinical Indications. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 2016; 56:205-20. [PMID: 26935782 PMCID: PMC4870175 DOI: 10.2176/nmc.ra.2015-0344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The administration of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is the first treatment of epilepsy, one of the most common neurological diseases. Therapeutic guidelines include newer AEDs as front-line drugs; monotherapy with new AEDs is delivered in Japan. While about 70% of patients obtain good seizure control by taking one to three AEDs, about 60% experience adverse effects and 33% have to change drugs. Compared to traditional AEDs, the prolonged administration of new AEDs elicits fewer adverse effects and fewer drug interactions and their teratogenicity may be lower. These characteristics increase drug compliance and allow combination therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy, although the antiepileptic effects of the new AEDs are not greater than of traditional AEDs. Comorbidities are not rare in epileptics; many adult patients present with stroke and brain tumors. In stroke patients requiring risk control and in chemotherapy-treated brain tumor patients, their fewer drug interactions render the new AEDs advantageous. Also, new AEDs offer favorable side benefits for concurrent diseases and conditions. Patients with stroke and traumatic brain injury often present with psychiatric/behavioral symptoms and cognitive impairment and some new AEDs alleviate such symptoms. This review presents an outline of the new AEDs used to treat adult patients based on the pharmacological activity of the drugs and discusses possible clinical indications from the perspective of underlying causative diseases and comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Hanaya
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences
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Ullrich NJ, Pomeroy SL, Kapur K, Manley PE, Goumnerova LC, Loddenkemper T. Incidence, risk factors, and longitudinal outcome of seizures in long-term survivors of pediatric brain tumors. Epilepsia 2015; 56:1599-604. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.13112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J. Ullrich
- Department of Neurology; Boston Children's Hospital; Boston Massachusetts U.S.A
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Neurosurgery; Boston Children's Hospital; Boston Massachusetts U.S.A
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center; Boston Massachusetts U.S.A
| | - Scott L. Pomeroy
- Department of Neurology; Boston Children's Hospital; Boston Massachusetts U.S.A
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Neurosurgery; Boston Children's Hospital; Boston Massachusetts U.S.A
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center; Boston Massachusetts U.S.A
| | - Kush Kapur
- Clinical Research Program; Boston Children's Hospital; Boston Massachusetts U.S.A
| | - Peter E. Manley
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Neurosurgery; Boston Children's Hospital; Boston Massachusetts U.S.A
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center; Boston Massachusetts U.S.A
| | - Liliana C. Goumnerova
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center; Boston Massachusetts U.S.A
- Clinical Research Program; Boston Children's Hospital; Boston Massachusetts U.S.A
| | - Tobias Loddenkemper
- Department of Neurology; Boston Children's Hospital; Boston Massachusetts U.S.A
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Simonetti G, Gaviani P, Botturi A, Innocenti A, Lamperti E, Silvani A. Clinical management of grade III oligodendroglioma. Cancer Manag Res 2015; 7:213-23. [PMID: 26251628 PMCID: PMC4524382 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s56975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrogliomas represent the third most common type of glioma, comprising 4%-15% of all gliomas and can be classified by degree of malignancy into grade II and grade III, according to WHO classification. Only 30% of oligodendroglial tumors have anaplastic characteristics. Anaplastic oligodendroglioma (AO) is often localized as a single lesion in the white matter and in the cortex, rarely in brainstem or spinal cord. The management of AO is deeply changed in the recent years. Maximal safe surgical resection followed by radiotherapy (RT) was considered as the standard of care since paramount findings regarding molecular aspects, in particular co-deletion of the short arm of chromosome 1 and the long arm of chromosome 19, revealed that these subsets of AO, benefit in terms of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), from the addition of chemotherapy to RT. Allelic losses of chromosomes 1p and 19q occur in 50%-70% of both low-grade and anaplastic tumors, representing a strong prognostic factor and a powerful predictor of prolonged survival. Several other molecular markers have potential clinical significance as IDH1 mutations, confirming the strong prognostic role for OS. Malignant brain tumors negatively impacts on patients' quality of life. Seizures, visual impairment, headache, and cognitive disorders can be present. Moreover, chemotherapy and RT have important side effects. For these reasons, "health-related quality of life" is becoming a topic of growing interest, investigating on physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Understanding the impact of medical treatment on health-related quality of life will probably have a growing effect both on health care strategies and on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Simonetti
- Neurooncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - P Gaviani
- Neurooncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - A Botturi
- Neurooncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - A Innocenti
- Neurooncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - E Lamperti
- Neurooncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - A Silvani
- Neurooncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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Gertsch EA, Ullrich NJ. Seizures in children treated for a primary brain tumor: risk factors, evaluation and management. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.2217/fnl.14.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Seizures may be a presenting symptom of a brain tumor in childhood or can occur as a complication of treatment or subsequent effect occurring years after completion of therapy. Seizures create a number of therapeutic challenges and represent a significant comorbidity that results in decreased quality of life. Treatment options may be limited by interactions with chemotherapy and/or increased susceptibility to side effects. Moreover, seizures in this patient population may be less responsive to the traditional therapies typically effective for nontumor related epilepsy. While the pathophysiology of tumor-related epilepsy remains unclear, advances are being made in our understanding of the possible mechanisms involved. Newer anticonvulsants and improved diagnostic tools with refined surgical techniques show promise for future treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Gertsch
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children‘s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nicole J Ullrich
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children‘s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Haematological toxicity of Valproic acid compared to Levetiracetam in patients with glioblastoma multiforme undergoing concomitant radio-chemotherapy: a retrospective cohort study. J Neurol 2014; 262:179-86. [PMID: 25359262 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-014-7552-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and symptomatic seizures are in need of a sufficient antiepileptic treatment. Haematological toxicity is a limiting side effect of both, first line radio-chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ) and co-medication with antiepileptic drugs. Valproic acid (VPA) and levetiracetam (LEV) are considered favourable agents in brain tumor patients with seizures, but are commonly reported to induce haematological side effects on their own. We hypothesized, that antiepileptic treatment with these agents has no increased impact on haematological side effects during radio-chemotherapy in the first line setting. We included 104 patients from two neuro-oncologic centres with GBM and standard radio-chemotherapy in a retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided according to their antiepileptic treatment with either VPA, LEV or without antiepileptic drug therapy (control group). Declines in haemoglobin levels and absolute blood cell counts for neutrophil granulocytes, lymphocytes and thrombocytes were analyzed twice during concomitant and once during adjuvant phase. A comparison between the examined groups was performed, using a linear mixed model. Neutrophil granulocytes, lymphocytes and thrombocytes significantly decreased over time in all three groups (all p < 0.012), but there was no significant difference between the compared groups. A significant decline in haemoglobin was observed in the LEV treated group (p = 0.044), but did not differ between the compared groups. As a novel finding, this study demonstrates that co-medication either with VPA or LEV in GBM patients undergoing first line radio-chemotherapy with TMZ has no additional impact on medium-term haematological toxicity.
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Maschio M, Paladin F. Taking care of patients with brain tumor-related epilepsy: results from an Italian survey. Neurol Sci 2014; 36:125-30. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-014-1887-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Rossetti AO, Jeckelmann S, Novy J, Roth P, Weller M, Stupp R. Levetiracetam and pregabalin for antiepileptic monotherapy in patients with primary brain tumors. A phase II randomized study. Neuro Oncol 2013; 16:584-8. [PMID: 24311644 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/not170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with brain tumors, the choice of antiepileptic medication is guided by tolerability and pharmacokinetic interactions. This study investigated the effectiveness of levetiracetam (LEV) and pregabalin (PGB), 2 non-enzyme-inducing agents, in this setting. METHODS In this pragmatic, randomized, unblinded phase II trial (NCT00629889), patients with primary brain tumors and epilepsy were titrated to a monotherapy of LEV or PGB. Efficacy and tolerability were assessed using structured questionnaires. The primary composite endpoint was the need to discontinue the study drug, add-on of a further antiepileptic treatment, or occurrence of at least 2 seizures with impaired consciousness during 1 year follow-up. RESULTS Over 40 months, 25 patients were randomized to LEV, and 27 to PGB. Most were middle-aged men, with a high-grade tumor and at least one generalized convulsion. Mean daily doses were 1125 mg (LEV) and 294 mg (PGB). Retention rates were 59% in the LEV group, and 41% in the PGB group. The composite endpoint was reached in 9 LEV and 12 PGB patients-need to discontinue: side effects, 6 LEV, 3 PGB; lack of efficacy, 1 and 2; impaired oral administration, 0 and 2; add-on of another agent: 1 LEV, 4 PGB; and seizures impairing consciousness: 1 in each. Seven LEV and 5 PGB subjects died of tumor progression. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that LEV and PGB represent valuable monotherapy options in this setting, with very good antiepileptic efficacy and an acceptable tolerability profile, and provides important data for the design of a phase III trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea O Rossetti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland (A.O.R., J.N., R.S.); Multidisciplinary Oncology Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland (S.J.); Department of Neurology, Universitätspital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland (P.R., M.W.)
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Rudà R, Bello L, Duffau H, Soffietti R. Seizures in low-grade gliomas: natural history, pathogenesis, and outcome after treatments. Neuro Oncol 2013; 14 Suppl 4:iv55-64. [PMID: 23095831 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nos199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Seizures represent a common symptom in low-grade gliomas; when uncontrolled, they significantly contribute to patient morbidity and negatively impact quality of life. Tumor location and histology influence the risk for epilepsy. The pathogenesis of tumor-related epilepsy is multifactorial and may differ among tumor histologies (glioneuronal tumors vs diffuse grade II gliomas). Gross total resection is the strongest predictor of seizure freedom in addition to clinical factors, such as preoperative seizure duration, type, and control with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Epilepsy surgery may improve seizure control. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy with alkylating agents (procarbazine + CCNU+ vincristine, temozolomide) are effective in reducing the frequency of seizures in patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Newer AEDs (levetiracetam, topiramate, lacosamide) seem to be better tolerated than the old AEDs (phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine), but there is lack of evidence regarding their superiority in terms of efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Rudà
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Turin and San Giovanni Battista Hospital, Turin, Italy.
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Abstract
In tumoral surgery, the risk factors for perioperative epilepsy can be roughly grouped into two categories: those related to the preoperative patient's conditions (type and location of the tumors, their impact on the surrounding brain…) and those specifically related to surgery (cerebral edema, parenchymal hematoma, surgical approach, complete or incomplete resection...). The first category is supposed to be responsible for preoperative and late postoperative epilepsy, while the second would be more related to the risk of epilepsy in the first postoperative week (or may be even in the first 48hours). It is well accepted (but not always respected) by the neuro-oncologists that there is no indication for preventive antiepileptic drugs (AED) in a patient with a brain tumor that has never presented seizure. However, every seizure crisis must be treated medically. Neurosurgical procedure (which is also a key factor for controlling epilepsy when it occurs. The AED should then be maintained as appropriate. In the absence of preoperative treatment, it has never been shown that prophylactic AED significantly decreases the incidence of postoperative seizures, early or late. Yet, the opposite has not been shown neither, and many groups use AED despite the risk of side effects and an uncertain risk-benefit ratio. Currently, postoperative epilepsy is much less frequent than it was 20 or 30years ago, and the risk of AED side effects also decreases with the latest generation of molecules (such as levetiracetam). So, AED risks and benefits tend to diminish in parallel, but their relationship is still to be assessed. In practice, a modern attitude would restrict prophylactic AED use to the higher risk patients (preoperative epilepsy, temporal astrocytoma, the extent of edema and mass effect...). A drug of last generation should be used, starting one week before surgery. The duration of the treatment should be limited to one week postoperatively in the absence of seizure.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Engrand
- Département d'anesthésie réanimation, fondation ophtalmologique Rothschild, 25-29, rue Manin, 75019 Paris, France.
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Calatozzolo C, Pollo B, Botturi A, Dinapoli L, Carosi M, Salmaggi A, Maschio M. Multidrug resistance proteins expression in glioma patients with epilepsy. J Neurooncol 2012; 110:129-35. [DOI: 10.1007/s11060-012-0946-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Englot DJ, Berger MS, Chang EF, Garcia PA. Characteristics and treatment of seizures in patients with high-grade glioma: a review. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2012; 23:227-35, vii-viii. [PMID: 22440866 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2012.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
High-grade gliomas (HGGs), including anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme, are the most common primary brain tumors, and are often associated with seizures. Seizure control is a critical but often underappreciated goal in the treatment of patients harboring these malignant lesions. Patients with HGG who also have medically intractable seizures should be considered for a palliative resection guided by electrocorticography and functional mapping. Antiepileptic drugs remain the mainstay of seizure treatment in HGG, and antiepileptic medication should be started after a tumor-related seizure, but should not be used prophylactically in the absence of seizure activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario J Englot
- UCSF Epilepsy Center, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0138, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Fuller KL, Wang YY, Cook MJ, Murphy MA, D'Souza WJ. Tolerability, safety, and side effects of levetiracetam versus phenytoin in intravenous and total prophylactic regimen among craniotomy patients: a prospective randomized study. Epilepsia 2012; 54:45-57. [PMID: 22738092 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2012.03563.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Practical choice in parenteral antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) remains limited despite formulation of newer intravenous agents and requirements of special patient groups. This study aims to compare the tolerability, safety, and side effect profiles of levetiracetam (LEV) against the standard agent phenytoin (PHT) when given intravenously and in total regimen for seizure prophylaxis in a neurosurgical setting. METHODS This prospective, randomized, single-center study with appropriate blinding comprised evaluation pertaining to intravenous use 3 days following craniotomy and at discharge, and to total intravenous-plus-oral AED regimen at 90 days. Primary tolerability end points were discontinuation because of side effect and first side effect. Safety combined end point was major side effect or seizure. Seizure occurrence and side effect profiles were compared as secondary outcomes. KEY FINDINGS Of 81 patients randomized, 74 (36 LEV, 38 PHT) received parenteral AEDs. No significant difference attributable to intravenous use was found between LEV and PHT in discontinuation because of side effect (LEV 1/36, PHT 2/38, p = 1.00) or number of patients with side effect (LEV 1/36, PHT 4/38, p = 0.36). No significant difference was found between LEV and PHT total intravenous-plus-oral regimen in discontinuation because of side effect (hazard ratio [HR] 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-2.92, p = 0.72) or number of patients with side effect (HR 1.51, 95% CI 0.77-2.98, p = 0.22). More patients assigned PHT reached the undesirable clinical end point for safety of major side effect or seizure (HR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01-0.70, p = 0.002). Seizures occurred only in patients assigned PHT (n = 6, p = 0.01). Although not significant, trends were observed for major side effect in more patients assigned PHT (p = 0.08) and mild side effect in more assigned LEV (p = 0.09). SIGNIFICANCE Both LEV and PHT are well-tolerated perioperatively in parenteral preparation, and in total intravenous-plus-oral prophylactic regimen. Comparative safety and differing side effect profile of intravenous LEV supports use as an alternative to intravenous PHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Fuller
- Centre for Clinical Neurosciences and Neurological Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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36
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Maschio M. Brain tumor-related epilepsy. Curr Neuropharmacol 2012; 10:124-33. [PMID: 23204982 PMCID: PMC3386502 DOI: 10.2174/157015912800604470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2011] [Revised: 11/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with brain tumor (BT), seizures are the onset symptom in 20-40% of patients, while a further 20-45% of patients will present them during the course of the disease. These patients present a complex therapeutic profile and require a unique and multidisciplinary approach. The choice of antiepileptic drugs is challenging for this particular patient population because brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) is often drug-resistant, has a strong impact on the quality of life and weighs heavily on public health expenditures.In BT patients, the presence of epilepsy is considered the most important risk factor for long-term disability. For this reason, the problem of the proper administration of medications and their potential side effects is of great importance, because good seizure control can significantly improve the patient's psychological and relational sphere. In these patients, new generation drugs such as gabapentin, lacosamide, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, pregabalin, topiramate, zonisamide are preferred because they have fewer drug interactions and cause fewer side effects. Among the recently marketed drugs, lacosamide has demonstrated promising results and should be considered a possible treatment option. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a customized treatment plan for each individual patient with BTRE. This requires a vision of patient management concerned not only with medical therapies (pharmacological, surgical, radiological, etc.) but also with emotional and psychological support for the individual as well as his or her family throughout all stages of the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Maschio
- Center for Tumor-Related Epilepsy, Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience and Cervical-Facial Pathology, National Institute for Cancer “Regina Elena” Via Elio Chianesi, 53 00144 Roma, Italy
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37
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Patients with brain tumor-related epilepsy. J Neurooncol 2012; 109:1-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s11060-012-0867-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Lecture: profile of risks and benefits of new antiepileptic drugs in brain tumor-related epilepsy. Neurol Sci 2012; 32 Suppl 2:S259-62. [PMID: 22012629 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-011-0801-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In patients with brain tumor, seizures are the onset symptom in 20-40% of the patients, while a further 20-45% of the patients will present them during the course of the disease. These data are important when considering the choice of antiepileptic drugs for this particular patient population, because brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) is often drug resistant, has a strong impact on the quality of life and weighs heavily on public health expenditures. In brain tumor patients, the presence of epilepsy is considered as the most important risk factor for long-term disability. For this reason, the problem of the proper administration of medications and their potential side effects is of great importance, because good seizure control can significantly improve the patient's psychological and relational sphere. In these patients, new generation drugs such as gabapentin, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, pregabalin, topiramate, and zonisamide are preferred, because they have fewer drug interactions and cause fewer side effects. Among the recently marketed drugs, lacosamide has demonstrated promising results and should be considered as a possible treatment option. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a customized treatment plan for each patient with BTRE, whose goals are complete seizure control, minimal or no side effects, and elimination of cognitive impairment and/or psychosocial problems.
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Simó M, Velasco R, Graus F, Verger E, Gil M, Pineda E, Blasco J, Bruna J. Impact of antiepileptic drugs on thrombocytopenia in glioblastoma patients treated with standard chemoradiotherapy. J Neurooncol 2012; 108:451-8. [PMID: 22407174 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-012-0836-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients is common. Hematological toxicity is a potential side effect of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and a frequent limiting-dose effect of temozolomide (TMZ). The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of AEDs on thrombocytopenia in GBM patients treated with radiotherapy and TMZ. A cohort of 101 newly diagnosed GBM patients treated with radiotherapy and TMZ was reviewed. Clinical data, presence of seizures, AEDs use, platelet count, and accumulated TMZ dose were analyzed at each cycle. Thrombocytopenia was operationalized as a continuous platelet count and a dichotomic variable (cut-off <100.000/mm(3)). This cut-off represents the threshold beyond which TMZ treatment is modified. A linear and a probit pooled cross-sectional regression analysis were used to study the impact of age, gender, AEDs, and accumulated TMZ on thrombocytopenia. Impact of AEDs on survival was also analyzed. Thirty-five patients (35%) presented seizures at onset and 18 (27%) during follow-up. Seven (13%) needed two or more AEDs for seizure control. Grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia was found in 8%. Decrease in platelet count was related to accumulated TMZ (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), and valproate (p = 0.004). Platelet count <100.000/mm(3) was only associated with accumulated TMZ (p = 0.001). Recursive Partitioning Analysis prognostic class was the only variable with significant impact on survival. Valproate and age had an independent negative effect on total platelet count, although neither had an effect on critical thrombocytopenia (<100.000/mm(3)). Therefore, the systematic withhold of valproate in GBM patients might not be justified. Nevertheless, this negative effect may be taken into account especially in elderly patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Simó
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge and ICO Duran i Reynals, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), C/Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907, L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, Spain
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40
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Abstract
Seizures are a common complication of pediatric brain tumors and their treatment. This article reviews the epidemiology, evaluation, and treatment of seizures in children with brain tumors. Seizures in known brain tumor patients may signify tumor progression or recurrence, or treatment-related brain damage, as well as other causes, including low drug levels and metabolic disturbances. Careful selection of antiepileptic medications is needed in this population. There are advantages to nonenzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs including valproic acid, which has potential antitumoral properties as a histone deacetylase inhibitor. Tumor surgery cures many cases of pediatric tumor-associated seizures, and some children are controlled with anti-epileptic medication, however additional epilepsy surgery may be needed for refractory cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Wells
- Brain Tumor Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
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Sierra-Marcos A, Bermejo PE, Manso Calderón R, Gutiérrez-Álvarez AM, Jiménez Corral C, Sagarra Mur D. Lacosamide for epileptic seizures in patients with co-morbidities and unusual presentations of epilepsy. CNS Drugs 2011; 25 Suppl 1:17-26. [PMID: 22141348 DOI: 10.2165/1159573-s0-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Numerous patients who are prescribed antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for epileptic seizures are already receiving other agents for the treatment of co-morbid conditions, which frequently occur alongside epilepsy. This raises additional clinical considerations and makes the use of AEDs with good safety profiles and fewer drug-drug interactions attractive. Second and third-generation anticonvulsant drugs are associated with fewer pharmacological interactions and improved tolerability compared with first-generation drugs. Furthermore, second and third-generation anticonvulsant drugs are associated with linear pharmacokinetic profiles and differing mechanisms of action, making them ideal for pluripathological and polymedicated patients. In this report, we highlight the efficacy of one such agent, lacosamide, in five patients with co-morbidities and unusual presentations of epilepsy, including a patient with paraneoplastic encephalitis caused by microcytic lung carcinoma, one with a brain tumour and one with Alzheimer's disease, as well as a case of catamenial epilepsy and one of refractory convulsive status epilepticus. In all patients, lacosamide was associated with a substantial reduction in seizure frequency and effective control of seizure episodes. Treatment was generally well tolerated in all patients, indicating that lacosamide is an effective treatment option for a variety of patients with epileptic seizures.
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St Germaine-Smith C, Liu M, Quan H, Wiebe S, Jette N. Development of an epilepsy-specific risk adjustment comorbidity index. Epilepsia 2011; 52:2161-7. [PMID: 22004000 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2011.03292.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop an epilepsy-specific comorbidity risk adjustment index for mortality outcomes research. METHODS Data were extracted from five linked administrative databases in Calgary, Canada from April 1, 1996 to March 31, 2004. Epilepsy patients were defined using a validated ICD-9-CM- and ICD-10-CA-based case definition. An epilepsy-specific comorbidity index was developed using comorbidities from the Charlson and Elixhauser indexes and other relevant epilepsy comorbidities. In the final model, 14 comorbidities significantly associated with mortality remained and each was assigned a value of 1-6 based on the hazard ratio from the survival analysis. Total prognostic scores were calculated and compared for all subjects using the epilepsy-specific index and the Charlson index. Crude mortality and survival curves of both indices were compared. KEY FINDINGS We identified 7,253 subjects who met our case definition for epilepsy. The mean age of participants was 38 years (range 0.03-96), and 52% were male. The mortality rate was 7.9%. High rates of chronic pulmonary disease (20.3%), hypertension (19.6%), cerebrovascular disease (13.7%), fracture (12.1%), depression (28.2%), and alcohol abuse (10.1%) were noted. Patients with lower total prognostic scores were more likely to survive than patients with higher scores, using both indices. However, increasing prognostic scores were more strongly associated with reduced survival using the epilepsy-specific index compared to the Charlson index. SIGNIFICANCE A new comorbidity index for epilepsy, designed to include clinically relevant conditions, provided better discrimination of crude mortality in a population-based group of epilepsy patients compared with the Charlson index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine St Germaine-Smith
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Vercueil L. Brain tumor epilepsy: A reappraisal and six remaining issues to be debated. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2011; 167:751-61. [PMID: 21890158 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2011.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L Vercueil
- INSERM U836, EFSN, Psychiatry and Neurology Pole, Grenoble Institut of Neurosciences, CHU Grenoble, Grenoble cedex 9, France.
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Kargiotis O, Markoula S, Kyritsis AP. Epilepsy in the cancer patient. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2011; 67:489-501. [PMID: 21305288 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-011-1569-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 01/21/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Epileptic seizures in patients with malignancies usually occur as a consequence of brain metastases from systemic cancer or the presence of a primary brain tumor. Other less-frequent causes include metabolic disorders such as electrolyte abnormalities, hypoglycemia, hypoxia and liver failure, paraneoplastic encephalitis, leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, side effects of certain chemotherapeutic agents, central nervous system infections, and pre-existing epilepsy. METHODS We reviewed all published literature in the English language regarding the use of antiepileptic drugs in patients with cancer. RESULTS In patients with brain metastases or primary brain tumors that had never experienced seizures, prophylactic anticonvulsant treatment is justified only for a period up to 6 months postoperatively after surgical excision of a cerebral tumor, since approximately half of the patients will never develop seizures and the anti-epileptic drugs may cause toxicity and interactions with antineoplastic therapies. For brief prophylaxis, newer antiepileptic drugs such as levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine are superior to older agents like phenytoin. In patients with a malignancy and seizures, certain antiepileptic drugs that express tumor inhibitory properties should be used such as valproic acid and levetiracetam, followed by oxcarbazepine and topiramate that exhibit good tolerance, efficient seizure control and absence of significant interactions with the chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Future clinical trials in patients with cancer and epilepsy should focus on combinations of chemotherapeutic interventions with antiepileptic drugs that demonstrate antineoplastic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odysseas Kargiotis
- Neurosurgical Research Institute, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
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Sherman JH, Moldovan K, Yeoh HK, Starke RM, Pouratian N, Shaffrey ME, Schiff D. Impact of temozolomide chemotherapy on seizure frequency in patients with low-grade gliomas. J Neurosurg 2011; 114:1617-21. [PMID: 21235313 DOI: 10.3171/2010.12.jns101602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECT Seizures occur in approximately 80% of patients with low-grade gliomas (LGGs). The majority of patients are treated with anticonvulsant monotherapy; however, many patients require multidrug therapy, or their seizures are refractory to antiepileptic drugs altogether. The oral alkylating agent temozolomide has emerged as a potential initial treatment option for LGG. A few reports suggest an association between temozolomide and reduced seizure frequency in patients with intractable epilepsy. METHODS Using their clinical database, the authors identified adult patients whose LGGs were treated using temozolomide as the initial antineoplastic therapy at the University of Virginia Health System. As a control group, the authors assessed patients whose LGGs were under observation. All patients had seizure disorders that were treated with anticonvulsants. Seizure frequency in patients with intractable epilepsy was analyzed before and after treatment with temozolomide. Age at diagnosis, sex, antiepileptic drugs, pathological subtype, surgical treatment, and follow-up until progression were also assessed. Interval seizure frequency was meticulously analyzed at each neurooncology clinic visit. A meaningful difference in seizures was defined as a reduction in seizure frequency of greater than 50% per month. RESULTS Thirty-nine patients were identified in the temozolomide cohort and 30 patients in the control cohort. The median age at diagnosis was 46 years for the former cohort and 41.5 years for the latter. The median length of follow-up was 39 months for the temozolomide group and 37 months for the control group. There was a significant difference in reduced seizure frequency between patients receiving temozolomide (59%) and those who did not receive temozolomide (13%, p < 0.001). Seven patients (18%) in the temozolomide group displayed this improvement independent of antiepileptic drug adjustment compared with no patient in the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The authors' data suggest that a subset of patients with LGGs experience improvement in seizure frequency during treatment with temozolomide independent of antiepileptic drug adjustment. This decrease in seizure frequency appears independent of the natural history of seizures in patients whose tumors are under observation. Consequently, seizures in patients with LGGs may be better controlled with the combination of AEDs and temozolomide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan H Sherman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To present an overview of the recent findings in pathophysiology and management of epileptic seizures in patients with brain tumors. RECENT FINDINGS Low-grade gliomas are the most epileptogenic brain tumors. Regarding pathophysiology, the role of peritumoral changes [hypoxia and acidosis, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, increase or decrease of neurotransmitters and receptors] are of increasing importance. Tumor-associated epilepsy and tumor growth could have some common molecular pathways. Total/subtotal surgical resection (with or without epilepsy surgery) allows a seizure control in a high percentage of patients. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy as well have a role. New antiepileptic drugs are promising, both in terms of efficacy and tolerability. The resistance to antiepileptic drugs is still a major problem: new insights into pathogenesis are needed to develop strategies to manipulate the pharmakoresistance. SUMMARY Epileptic seizures in brain tumors have been definitely recognized as one of the major problems in patients with brain tumors, and need specific and multidisciplinary approaches.
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